Elma LaVonne Darnall, 92 of West Union, Iowa passed away Saturday, March 29, 2025 at the Good Samaritan Society in West Union, Iowa. Elma was born May 4, 1932 to Elmer and Stella (Trapp) Pape. She was baptized May 29, 1932 and confirmed on April 14, 1946 at St. Peters Evangelical Lutheran Church in Eldorado, Iowa. Elma received her grade school and high school education in Fayette County and graduated from West Union High School in 1950. After high school, she worked for Northwestern Bell Telephone Company in West Union.
On April 1, 1951, Elma was united in marriage with James “Red” Darnall. One son was born to this union. In 1957, Elma and Jim moved to Humboldt, Iowa and Elma again worked for Northwestern Bell. In 1964, they moved to Ft. Atkinson, Iowa and Elma worked for twenty-four years at the Ft. Atkinson Telephone Company. Their last move was in 2000 to West Union, Iowa. After retiring to West Union, Elma volunteered for twelve years at the Palmer Lutheran Hospital in West Union.
Those left to cherish her memory are her son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Kandi Darnall of West Union, Iowa; grandchildren, Rachel Ann and Trey Michael; brother, Allen (Wanda) Pape of McGregor, Iowa and two sisters-in-law, Bonnie Pape and Lorraine Pape.
Preceding Elma in death were her husband, Jim on January 24, 2008; parents, Elmer and Stella Pape; brothers, Dean and Dale; three sisters, Irene (Boots) Moen, Vergie Fels and Margie Chamberlain.
A Visitation will be held from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm on Saturday, April 12, 2025 at Burnham-Wood-Grau Funeral Home in West Union, Iowa. A private burial will be held later that day.
Burnham-Wood- Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of West Union, Iowa is assisting the family with services.